addictions and mental health

      I have done extensive research on addiction, mental health, personal growth, dreams, psychology, self help, motivation, will power, brain chemistry, and changing habitual behavior.  As a self diagnosed OCD/ manic/ addictive type personality, I have some experience of mental health facilities, counseling, treatment and rehabilitation programs, and various modalities of healing. I desire to share my knowledge, in terms of what has and hasn't proven helpful for myself and some of my peers.  This blog is a forum in which I will share and organize my thoughts and research in hopes that the information I share may be helpful to others.
     The most well known method of approaching addiction cessation is the 12 step method.  This method has proven useful and helpful to perhaps hundreds of thousands of people, but it is not for everyone.  Other methods that have also proven helpful are cognitive behavioral therapy, (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy and EFT, (emotional freedom technique).
https://www.google.com/urlwww.scientificamerican.com
      One drawback of the 12 step method, is that the very core of its teaching is a spiritual healing.  This discourages many from accepting the method, either because they feel it is in conflict with their faith or spiritual path, or because they are atheistic or nonspiritual people.  Some people find the groups too cult like.  Some (especially younger people) notice that it just isn't that cool. 12 step groups have tried to overcome this by using the term higher power instead of God, but the resistance remains and some people just do not go for this method.  The benefits of the method are many, including that it is free, or donation based, and provides peer support.
     Luckily, there are many options, and hopefully, anyone who truly needs and wants help with addictions can find something that will work.  In order to facilitate that, I wish to offer my knowledge and experience in the field freely, in the form of this blog, or by donation in workshops, or for a small fee I can offer private sessions with yoga and EFT.
      On that note, it is often overlooked that a regular yoga practice can be very beneficial in recovery from addictions.  The meditation and stress relief that come with yoga can remove the stress and pain triggers that often cause people to turn to self medication. Thus yoga can address the root causes of addictions, not just the behaviors.  Yoga has also proven very helpful for other mental and emotional issues ranging from depression to ADD, to autism.  The benefits of yoga are tremendous, and I will post much more information in following blogs. I just want to share that it can be a wonderful pathway to a healthier happier life.  Please consider trying one of our classes to see if it might benefit you. email me at yoga.dreams72@gmail.com